New Zealand Police Alert 3:00pm 30 Dec 2008 Canterbury

Location of incident: Christchurch

Incident type: Armed Incident at Medical Centre

At about 3 pm this afternoon the Police were called and advised that a doctor in a medical practice in Riccarton Road, Christchurch had a patient with him and that patient had a handgun.

Police set up cordons around the area and blocked off Riccarton Road.

Staff and other patients from the medical centre were evacuated and spoken to by Police at the scene.

The doctor who was dealing with the patient also came out of the centre and following a voice appeal by members of the Armed Offenders Squad shortly afterwards the 54 year old male patient came out and also gave himself up.

He was taken into custody and later taken to Hillmorton Hospital for care and treatment.

The doctor at the centre of the incident was not under any threat by the patient but he realised his patient needed some care and treatment. He requested police assistance in order to have the man safely transported to hospital.

The handgun was found to be an air pistol.

'The staff and patients in the medical centre at the time of the incident acted very calmly and professionally,' said Detective Sergeant John Rae, 'and that helped Police not only deal with the incident but establish the facts as to what happened.'

'It is unlikely that any charges will follow on from the incident though background enquiries are continuing,' he said.

Issued By: Inspector Rick Jury

ENDS

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